Learn from the mistakes of others

since the electorate finished the emasculation of opposition in the federal arena at the last election, the coalition gets to have its cake, and eat it too.

there is genuine disquiet among the general membership of both houses of parliament, but the realities of party politics leaves little room for real dissent.

at the end of the day, the howard coalition have control of both houses, and can pretty much do whatever they like. howard and his inner team are savvy enough to know that they need to look strong and in control, without appearing to be completely arrogant. allowing backbenchers to mirror the concerns of their electorates allows those members to look strong to the people who vote, while still maintaining the appearance of party unity.

it's a win-win for our glorious leaders™, and it has the added benefit of taking the wind out of everyone else's sails.

unless, and until, the labor party - or anyone else - gets a grip on the way the game is being played now, and presents a coherent and believable alternative position, little will change. and in any event, the howard camp have several years of political domination ahead to get us used to the new program™ as they roll out massive social changes, one after the other.